This edition of Food Review sports a brand new funky look. In keeping up with the demands and dynamics of a changing industry, it was time to execute a major facelift to the brand, reinforcing our commitment to our readers and advertisers.

For an ubiquitous word, "natural" has gained an enormous amount of traction in the food industry. Marketers certainly love the term, in part because it promises a lot, without clearly saying what the product is actually delivering to the consumer. In this White Paper, Emma Gubisch, strategic insight manager at Leatherhead Food Research, explores what the term actually means to consumers and how willing they are to pay for these product claims. It also provides global market data on products launched with "all natural" claims.

Fuchs Oil (Fuchs) recently concluded the acquisition of food-grade lubricant manufacturer Lubrasa. This significant acquisition means that the locally produced lubricants, from the newly commissioned plant in Johannesburg, will add to Fuchs' existing Cassida range imported from Germany. 'The timing of the acquisition was perfect, because Fuchs Lubricants had just completed the purchase of an additional property behind the existing production plant.'

Products with specific health benefits and properties are becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek beneficial and functional foods that provide solutions to overall health and wellness. Expected real-term growth of seven per cent, means that the global industry is on its way to hitting a record high of R12 trillion by 2017.

Two leading players in contract packing and manufacturing, Sizani and Haticam, joined forces to provide low cost, nutritional food and beverage products to feeding schemes, pre-schools, institutions and churches. Since the merger the company, now re-named Sizani Foods, has broadened its range to over 100 different types of packed and blended products.

Leading food processing and packaging companies from France and Italy are targeting Africa's active food and beverage manufacturing sector. This year they have established new French and Italian pavillions at Africa's Big Seven (AB7), taking place from 21 to 23 June 2015 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.

Clover has always been at the forefront of product development. It was the first company to introduce fresh milk with a 12 day shelf-life back in 1976 when the industry standard was five days. It recently reconfirmed its commitment to the industry through a number of product innovations and platforms, aligned with its consumer driven strategy.

The dangers of breaching food safety regulations in the dairy industry could seriously impact on the image of its entire supply chain. Monitoring of products is therefore vital, says Jompie Burger of the Dairy Standard Agency (DSA).